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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Back to Work and Daycare Report

Yesterday morning, I was pretty good all morning as I anticipated work and daycare; truthfully, I was busy with our normal household stuff, so I wasn't thinking about it too much. Then, as we were driving there, I could feel my heart pounding and my throat constricting, but I held it together.

When I got there, I was suprised to find that Jerry had walked down from his office to join me there. He figured it was gonna be tough for me, so he wanted to be there. I really appreciated such thoughtfulness, and it certainly was nice to have him there.

I got her daily stuff unpacked and put away while her teacher was holding her, and as I was giving some feeding instructions, I started to choke up, and it was downhill from there. I cried through my "goodbye" and cried as we walked out, and I was very grateful Jerry was there to help soothe me. I got in the car and cried pretty much until I got to work, and then I was able to compose myself and remain cry-free while I worked.

As far as working, it was kinda weird being back. In a way, it was nice: I'm dressed in regular clothes (not running shorts or sweatpants), I'm doing stuff that requires more thought and skill than what goes into changing a diaper, I'm socializing with my colleagues, and I have all this freedom -- if I need to walk across campus to the library, I just walk out my office and do it; no baby, stroller, diaper bag, etc! But on the other hand, I've gotten pretty used to being at home, so being back at work was a bit disconcerting, as if I had forgotten how to do some things (like all of sudden, I have to remember my code for the copier).

And the whole time, I was thinking of Norah, wondering how she was, missing her. And it didn't help that everyone was asking me, "How's the baby?" and I would tell them she's good, and "Today's her first day at daycare" and they'd reply with, "Ohhhh, how are you doing?" Each time, I managed to control my voice as I croaked out, "Okay."

Jerry checked on her once and then called to report that she was doing fine, so that was good. And it certainly is a comfort to know he's close by.

At the end of the day, I came home and Scooter greeted me at the door, Jerry was in the kitchen starting dinner and Norah was in the living room playing happily in her activity gym. And admittedly, it was kinda nice being on that end of our domesticity. Jerry reported that daycare had gone well with her, and everything went smoothly. Of course, when I picked her up and cuddled her, I cried again -- a mixture of relief and joy.

So, all in all, everything was fine (as I knew, logically, it would be). But...I woke up this morning thinking, "I have to do that all over again today?" So, I'm sure all week will be emotionally challenging, and getting into a new routine will certainly take some getting used to, but I'm sure that each day will get easier, and soon we'll be old hats at this.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like someone needs to award the hubby a huge wad of relationship points!

Shannon said...

You are a wonderful mother & person. Welcome to the Mom club baby girl. You DID awesome & so did baby Nora. You Rock!

Unknown said...

*hugs*

it gets easier

kristen said...

If it's so hard, why do it?

Anonymous said...

It does get easier, don't worry. Jerry is awesome!

Razz said...

The first day is rough, but it gets easier. How nice is it that your husband is in the same building? Yeah you!

Lily on the Road said...

Everyday is going to be differnt (in a good way),

Poor little Scooter, he'll miss you being at home with "his baby".

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

That was great of your hubby to share in the milestone! I am sure it made it easier on you. Glad it went smoothly!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad the day went well. You are very lucky to have daddy so close to daycare...oh, and that he makes your dinner too! I haven't hit the daycare stage yet, but like others have said, I'm sure it gets better.

Katie A. said...

So happy that the day went well for you. I got choked up reading about it myself. But you and Jerry are awesome and your little family will be pro's before you know it! Great job Jess! ;)

Wes said...

I think you've worked things out really well, and y'all do just fine...

Jess said...

Glad daycare day one went well for you all! You'll definitely settle into the new routine soon and you'll be a pro in no time!

Stephanie said...

Sounds like you did a great job!

Marlene said...

Aw, I'm glad everybody made it through the day. It will only get easier!

It's great thet Jerry is so close to her - that has to give you some peace of mind.

Badgergirl said...

Glad to hear Day 1 went OK. I'm sure the next days will get easier! And major points for Jerry!

MCM Mama said...

Glad to hear the day went well. It will get easier and you guys will be in a new groove soon. WTG Jerry for being there to help you with the first drop off.

Agate Lake Girl said...

Finally catching up on your last couple of posts. Glad everything is going well at Daycare - I know it must be hard. It was weird for me to go back and I was leaving Rylee with Grandma.

She looked cute in her pics (stoned or otherwise). :)

Erin said...

I recall those feelings all too well and it was over a year ago I had to leave Miller for the first time. I still get a little choked up when I leave him but he has a great time at DC and they take fabulous care of the kids. Plus, her best boyfriend is there to protect her as she gets older :)

runner26 said...

day one has got to be the hardest! and you made it!

Crissy Rae said...

Such a cute mommy report! I'm glad both you and Norah had a good day. I bet she's gonna be a hit at daycare.

Carolina John said...

who wants to wear regular clothes anyway? just today a mountain biker at this new office was making fun of me for wearing race t-shirts to work every day this week. ya gotta be comfortable.

Glad you (and norah and jerry) are taking the daycare thing in stride. I bet it felt good to be around adults again huh?

Anonymous said...

You all did great! You and Jerry have great teamwork - an important key in making it work!

Aka Alice said...

Ah Jess...I just smiled as I read this because I remember it all too well... but it's a good thing to go back to work and to doing the other thing that you love to do (and are so good at) as well. Norah needs you, yes, but the world needs good teachers too.

Anonymous said...

aw...this made me smile- brought back memories as well- except no jerry in my picture. You got a great husband there...I'd love to meet your little one soon! maybe after we are done going through this stupid cold...first J, then me, now Graham but i still feel crappy...oh well-